PC Forum Day One in Carlsbad, CA

I have always been a fan of Release 1.0 since I discovered it in the IntelliCorp library many years ago.  Esther Dyson and (at the time) Jerry Michalski's writing hit the perfect pitch for the way I learned about new ideas and technologies.  From my first day at PC Forum, I can happily say that the conference measures up to those expectations as well.

Unlike the relative chaos of last year's Web 2.0 conference, the conversations on stage were thought provoking and Dr. Barry Schwartz's talk on the Paradox of Choice had me scribbling notes instead of doing my usual doodles.  Among the more interesting tidbits (all paraphrased):

• Dr. Schwarz described a compelling argument (Libertarian Paternalism) based on solid results that when formulating public policy, that more choice isn't always the right thing (not an argument for eliminating choice but of structuring defaults and better/easier decision making) quoting some great examples like particpation in the organ donor program as a default vs. active choice at time of driver's license renewal (25% participation when active choice, 90% participation in Europe where its the default).
• Ajit Balakrishnan, founder of Rediff.Com (prominent Indian portal), spoke about Douglass North's work on transaction costs in the context of his work reforming legislation in India related to the fallout from the unfortunate arrest of an eBay India executive over the posting of porn on the site.  Ajit was very impressive.
• Philip Rosedale of Linden Labs (maker of Second Life the onine game) spoke about how in the 85,000 hours logged by 150,000 users so far, approximately 30% of the time is spent on creation - tinkering with things as an active choice.
• All the panelists spoke about the merits of "too many choices" aspect of modern societies vs. and the default in many traditional societies of limited choice or in economically backward countries of "no choice".  That discussion reminded of the most eloquent essay I have heard/read on the paradox of the immigrant experience (as it relates to choice).  The essay is by Andre Codrescu on the compilation "The Dog with a Chip in His Neck" (out of print, best listened to on audio tape, try Alibris).  The essay contrasts his mother's experience vs. his own as an immigrant to the US (from Romania).  It is a riff that left my head whirling and in awe that someone could spin words like that.  A "must hear" for any immigrant or anyone who wants to understand the paradox of choice.

I will go back and read Dr. Schwartz's book but I think he brings crisply into focus something that every young person should be armed with as they go into this world.  My outline based on earlier struggles with choice are:

1. Take the default.  The default could be implicit as driven by a social norm, personal recommendation or explicit.  This is a good reason to belong to a social group.
2. Use economics of time or money to establish constraints that could help you make the choice faster.
3. Become a Maker or Tinkerer and create or modify to suit your needs.

Dinner conversation was equally interesting.